(Photo by: Al Bello /Getty Images)
Like any aging ballpark, Fenway has had to undergo its share of heavy maintenance in recent years. But after this decade's series of improvements, the oldest park in the majors may now live beyond 2050, architects and engineers have told Red Sox President Larry Lucchino.
"This year they relate in part to the long-term survivability of Fenway Park," Lucchino said. "We are told by our engineers and architects that we will be able to play baseball in Fenway Park for the next 40 to 50 years."
The changes made this offseason were less prominent than others, like the 2003 addition of the Green Monster seats. The right field area will get an additional 191 seats and 100 standing room areas.
Structural improvements included the reinforcement of concrete and improved waterproofing of the lower deck seating area, which will be completed next offseason.
Sunday marks the return of the Red Sox to Fenway from Spring Training, when they will prepare for next Monday's Opening Day showdown against the defending AL Champion Tampa Bay Rays. But Lucchino insists the offseason work will be complete by the weekend.
"We keep telling everyone we're in the ninth inning of renovations," he said. "Maybe we've got another year or two, something like this, but we eventually can see we've got it all planned out and we can see the finish point."
Whatever the case, the work done at Fenway this offseason did wonders for its long-term sustainability. Red Sox fans—and baseball fans alike—can enjoy its magic and tradition for at least two more generations.
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